Bourgeois Farm

The Bourgeois Farm is a permanently protected farmland property located in Tiverton, Ontario, offering a unique opportunity for one or more farmers to establish or grow a small-scale agricultural enterprise within a community-oriented, conservation-focused farm setting.

Owned and stewarded by the Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT), the Bourgeois Farm is being developed as a multifunctional agricultural and community hub that supports sustainable food production, environmental stewardship, education, and inclusive access for farmers.

About the Property

Location: 2 Alma St, Tiverton, Ontario
Total Property Size: ~37 acres
Agricultural Land Available: Approximately 15.5 acres (configurable) – See Field Available below for more details.

The Bourgeois Farm was donated to OFT in 2024 by the estate of Eugene and Ann Bourgeois, with the intention that it continue to serve the community through sustainable agriculture, conservation, and shared learning.

The property includes:

• Sandy loam soils with a long history of organic management
• A mix of workable farmland, grassland, wetlands, riparian areas, and woodlands
• Existing farm infrastructure and on-farm housing
• Active community and conservation initiatives already underway

The site can accommodate multiple leaseholders, depending on land needs and proposed farm models, allowing OFT to support more than one farmer where appropriate.

Agricultural History & Land Characteristics

• Historically used for hay, pasture (including sheep grazing), and mixed organic production
• Herbicide- and pesticide-free for approximately 20 years
• Soil classes include Class 2 and Class 5 soils
• Fields are not tile-drained, and some areas experience seasonal wetness in spring

Infrastructure & On-Farm Assets

The Bourgeois Farm includes a range of existing buildings that may be leased separately or in combination, depending on the farming model proposed:

Residential Farmhouse (leased separately but co-located)

• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
• Office space, loft area, enclosed sunroom/porch
• Basement with laundry
• Residential tenancy is conditional on actively farming the property

Agricultural & Support Buildings

• Two-storey barn (historically used for sheep housing and hay storage)
• Machine shed with attached lean-to
• Chicken coop
• Workshop / craft building
• Equipment storage and shared tool library

Some buildings may require cleaning, upgrades, or adaptation depending on use. Buildings are subject to additional lease arrangements. 

A Community-Oriented Farm Model

The Bourgeois Farm is intentionally designed as a shared-use, community-oriented site. In addition to farmer-tenants, the property may include:

• Community garden plots (including food bank production)
• Volunteers and land stewards
• Conservation and education partners
• Demonstration and research activities

OFT is actively developing:

• Best Management Practices (BMP) demonstration plots
• Grassland rehabilitation projects
• Riparian restoration areas
• A Butternut tree recovery project in partnership with the Historic Saugeen Métis

Farmers leasing land at Bourgeois should expect to operate within a living landscape where agricultural, ecological, and community activities occur alongside one another.

What This Opportunity Is

This opportunity is well-suited for farmers who:

• Are interested in small-scale, sustainable, or regenerative agriculture
• Value stewardship, collaboration, and community engagement
• Are comfortable operating within a shared-use environment
• Are looking for secure, affordable access to land rather than private ownership

Lease Structure & Expectations (High-Level)

• Initial lease term: 5 years, with potential for renewal
• Lease rates are set to support farm viability
• Lease agreements reflect conservation requirements tied to the land
• Farmers are expected to:
  • Use best management practices
  • Respect conservation areas and restoration projects
  • Engage constructively with other site users
  • Adhere to OFT’s Property Management Plan and lease conditions

Detailed lease terms, pricing, and responsibilities are outlined during the application process.

Apply to farm on the Bourgeois Farm

Interested applicants can begin by completing an Expression of Interest Form, which outlines their vision for the farm and the infrastructure they would need to support their operation.

Our team will review all submitted Expression of Interest Forms and invite selected candidates to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP). The RFP will offer a deeper look at the applicant’s Farm Business Plan and their goals for participating in the Farmland Access Program.